Vehicle centric logistics management

ABSTRACT

The instant disclosure describes vehicle centric logistics management systems and methods that leverage the unique positions of shipping vehicles to improve supply chain performance. In some example, vehicles are equipped with improved wireless sensing technologies that facilitate the ability to manage inventories in realtime. In addition, the pervasive presence of shipping vehicles across supply chains enables vehicle centric collection and analysis of local data to improve realtime decision-making.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/776,804, filed on Jan. 30, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/800,420, filed on Feb. 1, 2019.This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/383,353, filed on Apr. 12, 2019, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,872,286, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/842,861, filed on Dec. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,262,255.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,861 claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/434,218, filed Dec. 14, 2016 andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/435,207,filed Dec. 16, 2016. This application is also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/581,599, filed on Sep. 24, 2019, nowU.S. Pat. No. 11,328,201, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/842,867, filed Dec. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,445,634. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,867 claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/434,218, filed Dec. 14,2016, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/435,207, filed Dec. 16, 2016. All of the above referenced patentapplications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure generally relates to logistics and more particularly toasset management, including packaging, warehousing, inventorying,tracking, and monitoring items (e.g., objects, parcels, persons, toolsand other equipment).

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention features a vehicle that includes a firstvehicle section that comprises a driver compartment, and a primarywireless network node that comprises a first type of wirelesscommunications interface and a second type of wireless communicationsinterface. The vehicle includes a second vehicle section that comprisesa cargo compartment, and a secondary wireless network node thatcomprises the second type of wireless communications interface and athird type of wireless communications interface. The primary wirelessnetwork node establishes, with the first type of wireless communicationsinterface, a first wireless communications connection between theprimary wireless network node and a server affiliated with a networkservice. The primary wireless network node establishes, with the secondtype of wireless communications interface, a second wirelesscommunications connection between the primary wireless network node andthe secondary wireless network node. The secondary wireless network nodeestablishes, with the third type of communications interface, respectivewireless communications connections between the secondary wirelessnetwork node and peripheral wireless network nodes in the cargocompartment that are affiliated with the network service.

In another aspect, the invention features a hierarchical wirelesscommunications system for a vehicle. The system includes a primarywireless network node in a first vehicle section that includes a drivercompartment. The primary wireless network node comprises a first type ofwireless communications interface and a second type of communicationsinterface. A secondary wireless network node in a second vehicle sectionthat comprises a cargo compartment. The secondary wireless network nodecomprises the second type of communications interface and a third typeof communications interface. The primary wireless network nodeestablishes, with the first type of wireless communications interface, afirst wireless communications connection between the primary wirelessnetwork node and a server affiliated with a network service, and theprimary wireless network node establishes, with the second type ofwireless communications interface, a second wireless communicationsconnection between the primary wireless network node and the secondarywireless network node. The secondary wireless network node establishes,with the third type of communications interface, respective wirelesscommunications connections between the secondary wireless network nodeand peripheral wireless network nodes in the cargo compartment that areaffiliated with the network service.

The invention also features apparatus operable to implement the methoddescribed above and computer-readable media storing computer-readableinstructions causing a computer to implement the method described above.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle transporting apallet of parcels while communicating with one or more network services.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a set of example tractor management modulesin an example of a primary electronic logging device (ELD).

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example method of producing a driverevaluation.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method of responding to eventsassociated with assets in a logistic facility.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a set of example trailer management modulesin an example of a secondary electronic logging device (ELD).

FIG. 6 is flow diagram of an example method of determining compatibilitybetween a tractor and a trailer.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of example components of a peripheralwireless network node.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method of detecting andresponding to events involving assets in a trailer.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of example components of a primary electroniclogging device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of example components of a peripheralelectronic logging device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of example components of a server computer.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of example components of a server computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. INTRODUCTION

In the following description, like reference numbers are used toidentify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended toillustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to limit the disclosed aspects nordepict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions ofthe depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

As used herein, the term “or” refers an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or.” In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thespecification and claims mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from the context to refer the singular form.

The term “module” may be hardware, software, or firmware or may be acombination or components thereof.

The term “tape node” refers to an adhesive tape platform or a segmentthereof that includes wireless communications functionality and/or oneor more of a sensor, a processor, a memory component, an energy source(e.g., a battery or an energy harvesting component). A tape node mayhave a variety of different form factors, including a multilayer roll ora sheet that includes a plurality of divisible adhesive segments. Oncedeployed, each tape node can function, for example, as an adhesive tape,label, sticker, decal, or the like, and as a wireless communicationsdevice. A “peripheral” tape node (also referred to as an “outer” node, a“leaf” node, and “terminal” node) refers to a tape node that does nothave any child nodes.

In certain contexts, the terms “parcel,” “envelope,” “box,” “package,”“container,” “pallet,” “carton,” “wrapping,” and the like are usedinterchangeably herein to refer to a packaged item or items.

II. Exemplary Operating Environment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle 10 transporting apallet 12 of parcels 14 containing goods or other things. In someembodiments, a tertiary wireless network node 13 is fixed to the pallet12 and is configured to communicate wirelessly with the peripheral nodes40 and the second electronic logging device 22. In this example, thevehicle 10 is a semi-trailer truck that includes a tractor unit 16 and asemi-trailer 18 that carries freight loaded through doors 19 and 21. Ingeneral, the vehicle 10 may be any type of vehicle that can transportgoods or other things from one place to another, including any type ofmotorcycle, car, truck, van, train, ship, or aircraft.

In the illustrated example, the tractor unit 16 includes a primaryelectronic logging device 20 (i.e., a primary ELD) and the semi-trailer18 includes a secondary electronic logging device 22 (i.e., a secondaryELD). In some examples, the primary ELD 20 and the secondary ELD 22 eachincludes one or more wireless transceivers, processors, and memorydevices storing programmatic instructions that enable wirelesscommunications over multiple different wireless communications protocolsand technologies across different power levels and ranges, such as, butnot limited to, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, EDGE, OFDM, GPRS, EV-DO, LTE,WiFi, LoRaWAN, Bluetooth LE, Z-wave, and Zigbee. The secondary ELD 22typically includes wireless communications interfaces that have lowerpower and shorter range than the communications interfaces in theprimary ELD. The primary ELD 20 and the secondary ELD 22 have at leastone communications interface (e.g., Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, and/or wiredconnection) in common so that they can communicate with one another.

In the illustrated example, the primary ELD 20 (“ELD 1”) wirelesslycommunicates with a server 24 of a first network service 26 and server28 of a second network service 30 over respective cellular connections32 with a cell tower gateway 34 and over a communications network 36,which may be a private network or a public network (e.g., the Internet).Each of the network services 26, 30 includes respective ones of thenetwork servers 24, 28 executing one or more applications and storingand retrieving data from respective data stores 25, 29. The networkservices 26, 30 may be, for example, a driver performance assessmentservice and a logistics management service.

In the illustrated example, the primary ELD 20 in the tractor unit 16typically communicates with the first and second network services 26, 30over one or more high-power, long-range communications interfaces. Inaddition, the primary ELD 20 wirelessly communicates with the secondaryELD 22 (“ELD 2”) in the semi-trailer 18 over a lower power,shorter-range wireless communications interface, such as LoRaWAN orBluetooth LE. In some examples, the primary ELD 20 also may communicatewith the secondary ELD 22 over a wired connection through a controllerarea network (CAN) bus system 23, which is a vehicle bus standarddesigned to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with eachother in applications using a message-based protocol without a hostcomputer. The CAN bus system 23 also may connect the primary ELD 20 tothe communications interface of a cellular modem that is installed insome embodiments of the tractor unit 16 of the semi-trailer truck 10,thereby enabling the primary ELD 20 to share the cellular modem'sexisting cellular subscription service.

The parcels 14 are associated with peripheral wireless network nodedevices that include wireless communications, processing, sensing anddata storage capabilities. In some examples, these peripheral wirelessnetwork node devices are implemented as wireless electronic tags thatare carried in or otherwise attached to or integrated with therespective ones of the parcels 14. Other examples incorporate thewireless communications, processing, sensing and data storagecapabilities into a low-cost, multi-function adhesive tape platform 40with a form factor that unobtrusively integrates the components usefulfor implementing a combination of different logistic functions and alsois able to perform a useful ancillary function that otherwise would haveto be performed with the attendant need for additional materials, labor,and expense. In some examples, the primary ELD 20 and the secondary ELD22 are implemented as one or more segments of respective types of theadhesive tape platform described in US Patent Application PublicationNo. US-2018-0165568-A1, which was published on Jun. 14, 2018, and isincorporated in its entirety herein.

In an aspect, the adhesive tape platform is implemented as a collectionof adhesive products that integrate wireless communications and sensingcomponents within a flexible adhesive structure in a way that not onlyprovides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, andprotecting the components of the tracking system but also maintains theflexibility needed to function as an adhesive product that can bedeployed seamlessly into various logistic applications and workflows,including person and object tracking applications, and asset managementworkflows such as manufacturing, storage, shipping, delivery, and otherlogistics associated with moving products and other physical objects,including logistics, sensing, tracking, locationing, warehousing,parking, safety, construction, event detection, road management andinfrastructure, security, and healthcare. In some examples, the adhesivetape platforms are used in various aspects of logistics management,including sealing parcels, transporting parcels, tracking parcels,monitoring the conditions of parcels, inventorying parcels, andverifying package security. In these examples, the sealed parcelstypically are transported from one location to another by truck, train,ship, or aircraft or within premises, e.g., warehouses by forklift,trolleys etc.

An adhesive tape platform includes a plurality of segments that can beseparated from the adhesive product (e.g., by cutting, tearing, peeling,or the like) and adhesively attached to a variety of different surfacesto inconspicuously implement any of a wide variety of different wirelesscommunications based network communications and transducing (e.g.,sensing, actuating, etc.) applications. Examples of such applicationsinclude: event detection applications, monitoring applications, securityapplications, notification applications, and tracking applications,including inventory tracking, package tracking, person tracking, animal(e.g., pet) tracking, manufactured parts tracking, and vehicle tracking.In example embodiments, each segment of an adhesive tape platform isequipped with an energy source, wireless communication functionality,transducing functionality (e.g., sensor and energy harvestingfunctionality), and processing functionality that enable the segment toperform one or more transducing functions and report the results to aremote server or other computer system directly or through a network oftapes. The components of the adhesive tape platform are encapsulatedwithin a flexible adhesive structure that protects the components fromdamage while maintaining the flexibility needed to function as anadhesive tape (e.g., duct tape or a label) for use in variousapplications and workflows. In addition to single function applications,example embodiments also include multiple transducers (e.g., sensingand/or actuating transducers) that extend the utility of the platformby, for example, providing supplemental information and functionalityrelating characteristics of the state and or environment of, forexample, an article, object, vehicle, or person, over time.

Systems and processes for fabricating flexible multifunction adhesivetape platforms in efficient and low-cost ways also are described in USPatent Application Publication No. US-2018-0165568-A1. For example, inaddition to using roll-to-roll and/or sheet-to-sheet manufacturingtechniques, the fabrication systems and processes are configured tooptimize the placement and integration of components within the flexibleadhesive structure to achieve high flexibility and ruggedness. Thesefabrication systems and processes are able to create useful and reliableadhesive tape platforms that can provide local sensing, wirelesstransmitting, and locationing functionalities. Such functionalitytogether with the low cost of production is expected to encourage theubiquitous deployment of adhesive tape platform segments and therebyalleviate at least some of the problems arising from gaps inconventional infrastructure coverage that prevent continuous monitoring,event detection, security, tracking, and other logistics applicationsacross heterogeneous environments.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the primary ELD 20 (“ELD 1”) includes a setof tractor management modules 50 for collecting, analyzing, andpresenting vehicle management and driver performance data to the driverperformance assessment service 26 that generates evaluation data,including a driver evaluation for a driver of the vehicle 10. The set oftractor management modules 50 also includes a set of facility scanmodules for collecting, analyzing, and presenting logistic managementdata, including logistic schedule and parcel status information to thelogistics management service 30.

The primary ELD 20 includes a processor (not shown) that executes avehicle status module 52 to read and transmit vehicle parameter data 54that is associated with the driver and the vehicle to the driverperformance assessment service 26 over time (FIG. 3 , block 56). In someexamples, the primary ELD 20 also performs calculations (e.g.,aggregating vehicle parameter data 54; FIG. 3 , block 58) based on thecollected vehicle parameter data 54, which includes one or more of:vehicle speed, deceleration, braking, air bag state, 4-way flasherstate, engine revolutions per minute, windshield wiper state, a foglight state, steering input information, geographic locationinformation, engine oil pressure, coolant level, driver emergency buttonstate, tire pressure, and the like. In some examples, the vehicle statusand performance parameter data 54 is obtained from sensors that areassociated with respective components of the vehicle 10.

The primary ELD 20 also executes an event detection module 60 todetermine whether any of the vehicle parameter data 54, taken alone orin combination, exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds which mayconstitute a driving event (FIG. 3 , block 62). In some examples, theprimary ELD processor executes one or more of the tractor managementmodules 50 to capture and store the detected vehicle parameter data 54in a memory of the primary ELD 20 (FIG. 3 , block 64). The primary ELD20 executes the event detection module 60 to transmit vehicle parameterdata 54, which was captured before, during, and/or after the detecteddriving event, to the driver performance assessment service 26 forevaluation (FIG. 3 , block 66).

The driver performance assessment network service 26 may use thetransmitted vehicle parameter data together with ancillary informationto determine a performance score for the driver (FIG. 3 , block 68). Forexample, the driver performance assessment network service 26 may useinformation about the location of the event, as determined by reading alocation tracker module 70 in the primary ELD 20 that obtains a seriesof GPS coordinates over time (see FIG. 2 ). In addition to or instead ofgeographic location information, the driver performance assessmentnetwork service 26 may use estimates of the speed of the driver'svehicle 10 relative the speeds of nearby drivers, as determined fromanalyses of video data captured before, during, or after the event. Thedriver performance assessment network service 26 generates a performancescore for the driver of the vehicle 10 based on an evaluation of theperson who is determined to have triggered or caused the event (FIG. 3 ,block 72). For example, the driver performance assessment networkservice 26 may give the driver a low evaluation score if the driver isdetermined to have triggered or otherwise was a significant factor incausing the event. On the other hand, the driver performance assessmentnetwork service 26 may give the driver a high evaluation score if thedriver is determined to not to have triggered or have been a significantfactor in causing the event.

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the tractor management modules 50 alsoincludes a facility scan module 74 that includes a set of communicationsinterface modules that perform wireless communications operations,including wirelessly identifying parcels and wirelessly determining thestates of parcels in a facility. In some examples, the facility scanmodule 74 incorporates a hierarchy of communications modules, includinga long-range gateway module 76, a medium-range gateway module 78, and ashort-range peripheral module 80. In the illustrated embodiment thatfacility scan module 74 also has logistic schedule module 82 thatincludes a manifest or list of the parcels that are scheduled for pickup, drop off, or other logistic event involving the semi-trailer truck10.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in an example, the primary ELD 20 starts scanningfor assets in a target facility (e.g., a warehouse, a distributioncenter, or a retail establishment) when the vehicle 10 is withinscanning range of the target facility (FIG. 4 , block 84). In someexamples, the primary ELD 20 broadcasts ping packets in response to adetermination that the current GPS location of the vehicle 10 is withina predetermined scanning range of the target facility (e.g., 5 miles).In other examples, the primary ELD 20 may use one or more other criteriafor determining when to start scanning a target facility.

In an example, the primary ELD 20 executes a long range (e.g., cellular)communications interface module 76 to broadcast to the target facilityping packets that include identifiers that have been assigned to theperipheral wireless network nodes (e.g., tape nodes) that are associatedwith the respective parcels in the manifest. In some examples, thetarget facility includes a gateway that includes a cellularcommunications interface and a short-range communications interface(e.g., Bluetooth LE). In these examples, the gateway receives thecellular ping packets broadcasted from the vehicle 10 and broadcasts theping packets through a short-range communications interface (e.g.,Bluetooth LE) within the target facility. The peripheral wirelessnetwork nodes that are associated with identifiers in the list and arepresent in the target facility respond to the ping packets bybroadcasting response packets from their respective short-rangecommunications interfaces (e.g., Bluetooth LE) to the gateway, whichbroadcasts the response packets to the vehicle 10 through its long-rangecommunications interface (e.g., cellular).

Other examples may use different sets of hierarchical communicationsdevices. For example, a large facility may include multiple gatewaysthat have different sets of communications interfaces to achievecomplete communication coverage of the peripheral wireless network nodesassociated with parcels in the facility.

After scanning a facility, the primary ELD 20 stores and analyzes thescan results (FIG. 4 , block 86). The scan results may confirm that allthe parcels listed in the logistic schedule module 82 (FIG. 2 ) are inthe target facility. Alternatively, the scan results may reveal theoccurrence of one or more predefined events relating to the parcelslisted in the logistic schedule module 82. For example, a “missingparcel” event occurs when a parcel listed in the logistic schedulemodule 82 does not respond to a ping packet or is not in the facility. A“misrouted parcel” event occurs when a parcel is loaded on the wrongvehicle. An “unfit parcel” event occurs when a parcel listed in thelogistic schedule module 82 is damaged or otherwise unfit for deliveryto the end customer. An “improper joinder” event occurs when a parcel isincorrectly designated as part of a group of parcels. An “improperremoval” event occurs when a parcel is improperly removed from adesignated group. The logistics management network service 30 may defineother events as needed.

Based on the analysis of the stored scan results and the eventdefinitions, the primary ELD 20 on the tractor unit 16 of the vehicle 10determines whether any of the predetermined events have been detected(FIG. 4 , block 88).

For each event that has been detected, the primary ELD 20 determineswhether or not the event can be resolved locally, without theintervention of the logistics management network service 30 (FIG. 4 ,block 90). In some examples, the primary ELD 20 accesses a contingencyoptimization module 92 (shown in FIG. 2 ). In some examples, thecontingency optimization module 92 contains a set of programmaticinstructions or rules for resolving events without the intervention ofthe logistics management network service 30.

For example, in response to the detection of a “missing parcel” event,the primary ELD 20 logs the event type and other details relating to theevent in memory and, based on a mapping between the “missing parcel”event type and the instructions contained in the contingencyoptimization module 92, the primary ELD 20 executes the relevantinstructions in the contingency optimization module 92. In some cases,the primary ELD 20 may be instructed to re-broadcast ping packets to theperipheral wireless network node associated with the non-responsiveparcel using a different (e.g., higher) power level and/or a differentcommunications protocol in an attempt to resolve the event (FIG. 4 ,block 94).

In another example, in response to a “misrouted parcel” event, theprimary ELD 20 logs the event type and other details relating to theevent in memory and, based on a mapping between the “missing parcel”event type and the instructions contained in the contingencyoptimization module 92, the primary ELD 20 executes the relevantinstructions in the contingency optimization module 92. In some cases,the primary ELD 20 may be instructed to broadcast across the facilityping packets that include the identifier of the peripheral wirelessnetwork node associated with the parcel of the same type that wasmisrouted in an attempt to resolve the event (FIG. 4 , block 94).

In another example, in response to the detection of an “unfit parcel”event resulting from exposure of a parcel to, for example, a temperatureor an acceleration level greater than the respective threshold levels,the primary ELD 20 executes the relevant instructions in the contingencyoptimization module 92. Based on the current geographic location of thevehicle 10, the location of the nearest replacement part, and the timingof the next scheduled delivery for the vehicle 10, the contingencyoptimization module 92 instructs primary ELD 20 to broadcast to thefacility ping packets that include one or more identifiers ofreplacement parcels of the same type of the unfit parcel in an attemptto resolve the event (FIG. 4 , block 94). The primary ELD 20 may alsoinstruct the vehicle's driver interface system to display instructionsto turn back to the last facility visited and obtain the replacementpart instead of continuing directly to the next facility.

If the event is not resolvable locally (FIG. 4 , block 90), the primaryELD 20 transmits the relevant data relating to the detected event to thelogistics management network service 30 over a long-range (e.g.,cellular) communications interface. The logistics management networkservice 30 evaluates the event data (FIG. 4 , block 96) and resolves theevent (FIG. 4 , block 98). In some examples, the logistics managementnetwork service 30 executes a logistics optimization program that takesinto account the current locations and costs of vehicles, facilities,and package contents, road and traffic conditions, costs of late orfailed delivery, and other factors to determine a global optimalsolution for resolving the event.

For example, in response to a “improper joinder” event, the primary ELD20 logs the event type and other details relating to the event in memoryand, based on a mapping between the “improper joinder” event type andthe instructions contained in the contingency optimization module 92,the primary ELD 20 executes the relevant instructions in the contingencyoptimization module 92. In some cases, the primary ELD 20 may beinstructed to log information retrieved from the improperly joinedwireless tape node and report the improper inclusion of the identifiedwireless tape node to the logistics management network service 30 in anattempt to resolve the event (FIG. 4 , block 94).

In another example, in response to a “improper removal” event, theprimary ELD 20 logs the event type and other details relating to theevent in memory and, based on a mapping between the “improper removal”event type and the instructions contained in the contingencyoptimization module 92, the primary ELD 20 executes the relevantinstructions in the contingency optimization module 92. In some cases,the primary ELD 20 may be instructed to log information retrieved fromthe improperly removed wireless tape node and parcel, and report theimproper removal of the identified wireless tape node to the logisticsmanagement network service 30 in an attempt to resolve the event (FIG. 4, block 98).

Referring to FIG. 5 , as explained above, the primary ELD 20 (“ELD 1”)in the tractor unit 16 communicates with the secondary ELD 22 (“ELD 2”)in the semi-trailer 18 over a wireless connection and/or a wiredconnection via the CAN bus 23, as explained above. The secondary ELD 22includes a set of trailer management modules 100, including a tractorcompatibility module 102, a trailer scan module 104, a logistic eventdetection module 106, and a logistic schedule module 108.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a processor of the secondary ELD 22 executes thetractor compatibility module 102 to communicate with the primary ELD 20in the tractor unit 16. In one example, to communicate with the primaryELD 20, the secondary ELD 22 advertises its presence with a specificauthentication identifier and credentials (FIG. 6 , block 110). When theprimary ELD 20 receives data from the secondary ELD 22, the primary ELD20 establishes a handshake with the secondary ELD 22 on thecorresponding advertisement channel (FIG. 6 , block 112). Then theprimary ELD 20 hands off communication with the secondary ELD 22 to adata channel (e.g., a Bluetooth LE data channel). The primary ELD learnsthe secondary ELD's product identification number (PIN) and typeidentification number (TIN) of the secondary ELD 22 (FIG. 6 , block 112)and transmits that information to the logistics management service 30 tolet it know that the primary ELD 20 is communicating with the secondaryELD 22 (FIG. 6 , block 114).

After establishing the data channel with the primary ELD 20 in the truckunit 16, the secondary ELD 22 in the semi-trailer 18 broadcasts theparameters, requirements, and itinerary of the semi-trailer 18 to theprimary ELD 20 in the tractor unit 16 (FIG. 6 , block 116). The primaryELD 20 in tractor unit 16 broadcasts its capabilities and evaluates theparameters and requirements received from the semi-trailer 18 (FIG. 6 ,block 118). The following descriptive language provides examples of thetypes and values of parameters and requirements for the tractor unit 16and the semi-trailer 18:

var tractor = {  “vehicle_type” : “tractor”,  “owner” : “wallmart”, “max_acceleration” : “2.25 ft/s²”,  “max_haul_weight” : “20,000 lbs”, “max_shock” : “2.1 ft/s²”  } var itinerary = [{  “goods_type” :“light_bulbs”  “quantity” : “3,000”  “destination” :“distribution_center_abc”,  “est_time_of_arrival” : “9:05am_01_04_2019”}, {  “goods_type” : “light_bulbs”  “quantity” : “1,000”  “destination”: “distribution_center_cde”,  “est_time_of_arrival” :“5:00_pm_01_06_2019” }, {  “goods_type” : “eggs”  “quantity” : “1,500” “destination” : “warehouse_xyz”,  “est_time_of_arrival” :“9:30_am_01_06_2019” }] var trailer = {  “vehicle_type” : “trailer”, “owner” : “wallmart”,  “max_acceleration” : “2.5 ft/s²”,  “weight” :“15,000 lbs”,  } var freight = [{  “goods_type” : “light_bulbs” “quantity” : “4,000”  “max_shock” : “4.1 ft/s²” “scheduled_delivery_date” : “01_05_2019”  “expiration_date” : “01_2029”}, {  “goods_type” : “eggs”  “quantity” : “1,500”  “max_shock” : “2.1ft/s²”  “scheduled_delivery_date” : “01_18_2019”  “expiration_date” :“02_18_2019” }]

In this example, the primary ELD 20 in the tractor unit 16 and thesecondary ELD 22 in the semi-trailer 18 are configured to automaticallyevaluate each other's capabilities and requirements based on theexemplary descriptive language specifications for the tractor unit 16and the semi-trailer 18. In the illustrated example, the tractorspecification meets the trailer's requirements. For example, the tractorunit 16 and semi-trailer 18 are owned by the same company (i.e.,Wallmart), the maximum acceleration of the tractor unit 16 is below themaximum allowable trailer acceleration, the maximum shock level of thetractor unit 16 meets the maximum shock level for the freight carried bythe semi-trailer 18, the scheduled delivery dates for the goods beingconveyed in the trailer unit 16 are later than the estimated time ofarrival. As a result, the capabilities and requirements of the tractorunit 16 meet all of the compatibility requirements of the semi-trailer18 (FIG. 6 , block 120) and the tractor unit 16 is matched to thesemi-trailer 18 (FIG. 6 , block 122).

If one or more of the capabilities of the tractor unit 20 did not meetone or more of the trailer unit 22 requirements, the secondary ELD 22would determine whether or not the incompatibility is resolvable locally(FIG. 6 , block 124). For example, the estimated time of arrival for thelight bulbs at the “distribution_center_cde” is “5:00_pm_01_06_2019”,which is after the scheduled delivery date of “01_05_2019”. However, insome examples, the contingency optimization module 92 in the primary ELD20 includes programmatic instructions or rules that instruct the primaryELD processor to accept a time of arrival that is not later than one dayafter the scheduled delivery date for non-perishable goods. In theseexamples, the incompatibility would be waived and the tractor unit 16would be matched to the semi-trailer 18 (FIG. 6 , block 126).

If the incompatibility between the tractor unit 16 and the semi-trailer18 cannot be resolved locally, the primary ELD 20 reports theincompatibility to the logistics management network service 30. Thelogistics management network service 30 may resolve the incompatibilityin any of a variety of different ways, ranging from waiving one or moreincompatibilities to identifying another available tractor unit thatmatches or is at least a better match than the current tractor unit 16(FIG. 6 , block 102).

Referring back to FIG. 5 , in addition to the tractor compatibilitymodule 102, the trailer management modules 100 further include thetrailer scan module 104, the logistic event detection module 106, andthe logistic schedule module 108.

The secondary ELD 20 executes the trailer scan module 104 and thelogistic schedule module 108 to perform wireless communicationsoperations, including wirelessly identifying parcels and wirelesslydetermining the states of the parcels in the semi-trailer 18. In someexamples, the trailer scan module 104 communicates with peripheralwireless network nodes that are associated with the parcels in thesemi-trailer 18 over a short-range communications interface (e.g.,Bluetooth LE).

FIG. 7 shows example components of an exemplary peripheral wirelessnetwork node 130. The peripheral wireless network node 130 includes anumber of communication systems 132, 134. Example communication systems132, 134 include a GPS system that includes a GPS receiver circuit 136(e.g., a receiver integrated circuit) and a GPS antenna 138, and one ormore wireless communication systems each of which includes a respectivetransceiver circuit 140 (e.g., a transceiver integrated circuit) and arespective antenna 142. Example wireless communication systems include acellular communication system (e.g., GSM/GPRS), a Wi-Fi communicationsystem, an RF communication system (e.g., LoRa), a Bluetoothcommunication system (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy system), a Z-wavecommunication system, and a ZigBee communication system. The peripheralwireless network node 130 also includes a processor 150 (e.g., amicrocontroller or microprocessor), one or more sensors and energystorage devices 152 (e.g., non-rechargeable or rechargeable printedflexible battery, conventional single or multiple cell battery, and/or asuper capacitor or charge pump), one or more transducers 154 (e.g.,sensors and/or actuators, and, optionally, one or more energy harvestingtransducer components). In some examples, the conventional single ormultiple cell battery may be a watch style disk or button cell batterythat is associated with electrical connection apparatus (e.g., a metalclip) that electrically connects the electrodes of the battery tocontact pads on, for example, a flexible circuit board.

Examples of sensing transducers 154 include a capacitive sensor, analtimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a strainsensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, anoptical or light sensor (e.g., a photodiode or a camera), an acoustic orsound sensor (e.g., a microphone), a smoke detector, a radioactivitysensor, a chemical sensor (e.g., an explosives detector), a biosensor(e.g., a blood glucose biosensor, odor detectors, antibody basedpathogen, food, and water contaminant and toxin detectors, DNAdetectors, microbial detectors, pregnancy detectors, and ozonedetectors), a magnetic sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, and ahumidity sensor. Examples of actuating (e.g., energy emitting)transducers 94 include light emitting components (e.g., light emittingdiodes and displays), electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., audiospeakers), electric motors, and thermal radiators (e.g., an electricalresistor or a thermoelectric cooler).

In some examples, the peripheral wireless network node 130 includes amemory 156 that stores data including, for example, profile data, statedata, event data, sensor data, localization data, security data, and oneor more unique identifiers (ID) 158 associated with the peripheralwireless network node 130, such as a product ID number (PN), a type IDnumber (TIN), and a media access control (MAC) ID, and control code 160.In some examples, the memory 156 may be incorporated into one or more ofthe processor 150 or transducers 154, or may be a separate componentthat is integrated in the peripheral wireless network node 130 as shownin FIG. 7 . The control code typically is implemented as programmaticfunctions or program modules that control the operation of theperipheral wireless network node 130, including a communication managerthat manages the manner and timing of peripheral wireless network nodecommunications, a peripheral wireless network node power manager thatmanages power consumption, and a peripheral wireless network nodeconnection manager that controls whether connections with other networknodes are secure connections or unsecure connections, and a peripheralwireless network node storage manager that securely manages the localdata storage on the peripheral wireless network node. The peripheralwireless network node connection manager ensures the level of securityrequired by the end application is used and supports various encryptionmechanisms. The peripheral wireless network node power manager andperipheral wireless network node communication manager work together tooptimize the battery consumption for data communication. In someexamples, execution of the control code by the different types ofperipheral wireless network nodes described herein may result in theperformance of similar or different functions.

FIG. 8 shows an example method of detecting and responding to eventsinvolving assets in a trailer. The peripheral wireless network nodes 130typically are associated with respective parcels in the semi-trailer 18.In some examples, the logistics management network service 30 programsthe logistic schedule module 82 with programmatic code that is executedby the secondary ELD 22 in the semi-trailer 18 to scan peripheralwireless network nodes according to a fixed and/or a dynamic schedule.For example, the scheduled scan times may be one or a combination ofirregular scan intervals, regular (e.g., periodic) intervals, and ad hocintervals triggered, for example, by detected events.

In some examples, the secondary ELD 22 executes the trailer scan module78 to read the IDs of the peripheral wireless network nodes in thesemi-trailer 18 and also collect sensor data stored in the memories 136of the peripheral wireless network nodes 110 in the semi-trailer 18(FIG. 8 , block 162). In some examples, the secondary ELD 22 aggregatesthe collected sensor data by data type (FIG. 7 , block 164).

After scanning the semi-trailer 18, the secondary ELD 22 stores andanalyzes the scan results to detect events (FIG. 8 , block 166). Basedon the analysis of the scan results and the event definitions, thesecondary ELD processor in the semi-trailer 18 of the vehicle 10determines whether any events have been detected. The scan results mayconfirm, for example, that all the parcels listed in the logisticschedule module 82 are in the semi-trailer 18. Alternatively, the scanresults may reveal that one or more predefined events relating to theparcels occurred. For example, a “missing parcel” event occurs when aparcel listed in the logistic schedule module 82 does not respond to aping packet broadcasted by the secondary ELD 22 or when such a parcel isnot in the semi-trailer 18. An “unfit parcel” event occurs, for example,when a parcel listed in the logistic schedule module 82 is damaged orotherwise unfit for delivery to the end customer. For example, when atemperature sensor in a peripheral wireless network node 130 associatedwith a parcel registers one or more temperature readings that exceed orfall below a specified threshold temperature over a specified period oftime, the contents of that parcel will be designated as being unfit fordelivery. Similarly, when an acceleration or shock sensor in aperipheral wireless network node 130 associated with a parcel registersone or more acceleration or shock levels that exceed the specifiedthreshold acceleration or shock levels over a specified period of time,the contents of that parcel will be designated as being unfit fordelivery. The logistics management network service 30 may define othersemi-trailer events as needed.

For each detected event (FIG. 8 , block 166), the secondary ELD 22stores the relevant data in memory (FIG. 8 , block 168) and reports theevent to the primary ELD 20 in the tractor unit 16 (FIG. 8 , block 170).For each event that has been detected, the primary ELD 20 determineswhether or not the event can be resolved locally, without theintervention of the logistics management network service 30 (FIG. 8 ,block 172). In some examples, the primary ELD 20 accesses thecontingency optimization module 92 (FIG. 2 ), which contains a set ofprogrammatic instructions or rules for resolving events without theintervention of the logistics management network service 30.

For example, in response to the detection of a “missing parcel” event,the primary ELD 20 in the tractor unit 16 logs the event type and otherdetails relating to the event in memory and, based on a mapping betweenthe “missing parcel” event type and the instructions contained in thecontingency optimization module 92, the primary ELD 20 executes therelevant instructions in the contingency optimization module 92. In somecases, the primary ELD 20 may be instructed by the contingencyoptimization module 92 to re-broadcast ping packets to the peripheralwireless network node associated with the non-responsive parcel using adifferent (e.g., higher) power level and/or a different communicationsprotocol in an attempt to resolve the event (FIG. 8 , block 174).

In another example, in response to the detection of an “unfit parcel”event resulting from exposure to a temperature or an acceleration levelgreater than the respective threshold levels for these parameters, theprimary ELD 20 executes the relevant instructions in the contingencyoptimization module 92. Based on the current geographic location of thevehicle 10, the location of the nearest replacement part, and the timingof the next scheduled delivery for the vehicle 10, the primary ELD 20may be instructed to broadcast to the facility ping packets that includeone or more identifiers associated with replacement parcels of the sametype of the unfit parcel in an attempt to resolve the event (FIG. 8 ,block 174). In another example, the primary ELD 20 may instruct thevehicle's driver interface system to display instructions to turn backto the last facility visited and obtain the replacement items instead ofdirectly continuing on to the next facility on the scheduled route.

If the event is not resolvable locally (FIG. 8 , block 172), the primaryELD 20 transmits the relevant data relating to the detected event to thelogistics management network service 30 over a long-range (e.g.,cellular) communications interface. The logistics management networkservice 30 evaluates the event data (FIG. 8 , block 176) and resolvesthe event (FIG. 8 , block 178). In some examples, the logisticsmanagement network service 30 executes a logistics optimization programthat takes into account the current locations of vehicles andfacilities, their respective contents, road and traffic conditions, andother resources to determine a global optimal solution for resolving theevent.

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of the primary ELD 20 that includesthe tractor management modules 50 described above and further includesadditional components that assist in providing the variousfunctionalities of the primary ELD 20. These additional components maybe implemented in computer or processor readable software or hardwareinstructions, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software,firmware, and hardware. For example, the features of the tractormanagement modules 50 described herein may be implemented in or executedby a combination of processor(s) 180, memory 182, data store 184, one ormore communications interfaces 186, and an optional graphical or verbaluser interface 188. In an example, the tractor management modules 50 maybe encoded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as thememory 182 or the data store 184. In addition, the communicationscomponents 186 are configured to interface with the processor 160, thememory 182, the data store 184, and the optional user interface 188 overone or more data buses. The communications components 186 also are ableto establish wireless communications connections with remote systems,devices, and modules. The user interface of the primary ELD 20 may beconfigured to receive inputs and, in response, generate outputs. Theuser interface component 188 may include one or more input devices(e.g., a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, and a microphone) and oneor more output devices (e.g., a computer monitor and speakers).

FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of the secondary ELD 22 thatincludes the trailer management modules 100 described above and furtherincludes additional components that assist in providing the variousfunctionalities of the secondary ELD 22. These additional components maybe implemented in computer or processor readable software, hardwareinstructions, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software,firmware, and hardware. For example, the features of the trailermanagement modules 100 described herein may be implemented in orexecuted by a combination of processor(s) 190, memory 192, data store196, and one or more communications interfaces 194. In an example, thetrailer management modules 100 may be encoded in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, such as the memory 192 or the data store 196.In addition, the communications components 194 are configured tointerface with the processor 190, the memory 192, and the data store 196over one or more data buses. The communications components 194 also areable to establish wireless communications connections with remotesystems, devices, and modules. The communications interface(s) of thesecondary ELD 22 may be configured to receive wireless inputs and, inresponse, generate outputs.

FIG. 11 shows an example embodiment of the driver performance assessmentservice 26 that includes a driver performance assessment module 212. Insome examples, the driver performance assessment service 26 includes oneor more server computers 200 at least one of which includes the driverperformance assessment module 212 for producing a driver evaluation andadditional components that assist in providing the variousfunctionalities of the driver performance assessment service 26. Theseadditional components may be implemented in computer or processorreadable software, hardware instructions, firmware, hardware, or acombination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, thefeatures of the driver performance assessment module 212 describedherein may be implemented in or executed by a combination ofprocessor(s) 202, memory 204, one or more communications interfacecomponents 206, a data store 208, and a user interface 210. In anexample, the driver performance assessment module 212 may be encoded ina non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as the memory 204 or thedata store 208. In addition, the communications interface components 206are configured to interface with the one or more processors 202, thememory 204, and the data store 208 over one or more data buses. Thecommunications interface components 206 also are able to establishwireless communications connections with remote systems, devices, andmodules. The communications interface components 206 of the servercomputer(s) 200 may be configured to receive wireless inputs and, inresponse, generate outputs.

FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment of the logistics management service30 that includes a logistics contingency resolution module 226. In someexamples, logistics management service 30 includes one or more servercomputers at least one of which includes a logistics contingencyresolution module 226 for resolving events and additional componentsthat assist in providing the various functionalities of the logisticsmanagement service 30. These additional components may be implemented incomputer or processor readable software, hardware instructions,firmware, hardware, or a combination of software, firmware, andhardware. For example, the features of the logistics contingencyresolution module 226 described herein may be implemented in or executedby a combination of one or more processors 216, memory 218, one or morecommunications interfaces 220, a data store 222, and a user interface224. In an example, the logistics contingency resolution module 226 maybe encoded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as thememory 218 or the data store 222. In addition, the one or morecommunications interface components 220 are configured to interface withthe one or more processors 216, the memory 218, and the data store 222over one or more data buses. The one or more communications interfacecomponents 220 also are able to establish wireless communicationsconnections with remote systems, devices, and modules. Thecommunications interface component(s) of the one or more servercomputers 214 may be configured to receive wireless inputs and, inresponse, generate outputs.

III. CONCLUSION

Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

1. A method comprising: communicating, by a primary wireless networknode associated with a first vehicle section of a vehicle, with asecondary wireless network node associated with a second vehicle sectionof a vehicle, using a first type of wireless communications interface;determining, by the primary wireless network node, that the firstvehicle section is compatible with the second vehicle section based onthe communications with the second wireless network node and based on atleast one of a first compatibility requirement of the first vehiclesection and a second compatibility requirement of the second vehiclesection; and communicating, by the primary wireless network node, with aserver associated with a tracking system, using a second type ofwireless communication interface, wherein the communicating with theserver comprises one or more of reporting data on the first vehiclesection, data on the second vehicle section, and data on thecompatibility between the first vehicle section and the second vehiclesection.
 2. A hierarchical wireless communications system for a vehicle,comprising: a primary wireless network node in a first vehicle sectioncomprising a driver compartment, wherein the primary wireless networknode comprises a first type of wireless communications interface and asecond type of communications, the primary wireless network nodeassociated with a first set of attributes characterizing capabilities ofthe first vehicle section; and a secondary wireless network node in asecond vehicle section comprising a cargo compartment, wherein thesecondary wireless network node comprises the second type ofcommunications interface and a third type of communications interface,the secondary wireless network node associated with a second set ofattributes characterizing requirements of the second vehicle section,wherein the primary wireless network node establishes, using the firsttype of wireless communications interface, a first wirelesscommunications connection between the primary wireless network node anda server affiliated with a network service, the primary wireless networknode establishes, using the second type of wireless communicationsinterface, a second wireless communications connection between theprimary wireless network node and the secondary wireless network node;the secondary wireless network node establishes, using the third type ofcommunications interface, respective wireless communications connectionsbetween the secondary wireless network node and peripheral wirelessnetwork nodes in the cargo compartment that are affiliated with thenetwork service, and the primary wireless network node and the secondarynetwork node are programmed to determine compatibility between thecapabilities of the first vehicle section and the requirements of thesecond vehicle section based on a first received set of attributescharacterizing capabilities of the first vehicle sections beingcompatible with a received second set of attributes characterizingrequirements of the second vehicle section.
 3. A hierarchical wirelesscommunications system for a vehicle, comprising: a primary wirelessnetwork node in a first vehicle section comprising a driver compartment,wherein the primary wireless network node comprises a first type ofwireless communications interface and a second type of communications;and a secondary wireless network node in a second vehicle sectioncomprising a cargo compartment, wherein the secondary wireless networknode comprises the second type of communications interface and a thirdtype of communications interface, wherein, the primary wireless networknode establishes, with the first type of wireless communicationsinterface, a first wireless communications connection between theprimary wireless network node and a server affiliated with a networkservice, the primary wireless network node establishes, with the secondtype of wireless communications interface, a second wirelesscommunications connection between the primary wireless network node andthe secondary wireless network node, the secondary wireless network nodeestablishes, with the third type of communications interface, respectivewireless communications connections between the secondary wirelessnetwork node and peripheral wireless network nodes in the cargocompartment that are affiliated with the network service, and theprimary wireless network node or the secondary wireless network nodecomprises an electronic logging device programmed to collect, analyze,and present vehicle driver performance data to a second network service.